Lucy's Pearlshttp://lucyspearls.com
Inspiring you to live a beautiful life.Wed, 22 Jul 2015 16:44:35 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.2.3The Beauty and Blessing of Being Singlehttp://lucyspearls.com/the-beauty-and-blessing-of-being-single/
http://lucyspearls.com/the-beauty-and-blessing-of-being-single/#commentsWed, 15 Jul 2015 15:24:39 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13173“And if I asked you to name all the things that you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?” -Unknown I was hesitant to write a post about relationships (again) because it’s not my favorite thing to discuss, especially not on this space. I pride myself on being transparent so I […]

“And if I asked you to name all the things that you love, how long would it take for you to name yourself?” -Unknown

I was hesitant to write a post about relationships (again) because it’s not my favorite thing to discuss, especially not on this space. I pride myself on being transparent so I knew that if I did discuss it, I’d have to tell my truth, despite what someone else might say or how they might feel.

And the truth is, I thought I lost. I was embarrassed by this perceived loss. I didn’t think it had to end but..

As with matters of the heart, you don’t lose, you learn.Click To Tweet

Do you remember Maggie Carpenter? Maggie was Julia Roberts’ character in Runaway Bride. In the movie, Maggie prepared to walk down the aisle several times, only to change her mind and run away. News outlets took interest in her story, particularly a columnist named Ike (played by Richard Gere).

During his research for the story, Ike realizes that Maggie is adjusting her interests to mimic those of her fiancés in order to please them.

Maggie then explains that she had been running because every other guy she was engaged to was only engaged to the idea she had created for them rather than the real her, but with Ike she ran because, even though he truly understood her, she didn’t understand herself. Wikipedia

Just like Maggie, I got lost. First, I got lost in trying to please and then I lost myself.

I met him at my 27th birthday celebration. I was pretty drunk so I didn’t remember much of him. He seemed quiet. Not my type. I had soon forgotten him until he tweeted me a birthday shout out the next day. We became fast friends and lovers.

Although we barely had anything in common, I enjoyed his company and conversation. I thought I finally met someone I could begin to be completely vulnerable with. And vulnerable I was. But I wasn’t prepared for all of the other emotions that come with matters of the heart. So many heavy emotions that I knew were unnecessary to what we had. At the end of the day, he was only my friend. We had no accountability to each other’s feelings.

I knew this position a little too well. I was psuedo-dating again.

Sometimes relationships can become so unnecessarily complex that you don’t want to try anymore.Click To Tweet

So of course I beat myself up about it. I didn’t tell anyone. It hurts me to admit that in the attempt to be what someone else wanted me to be, I lost some of what made me unique: my identity. I became worried about how he would interpret my actions instead of being my usual self. I had lost, big time. I lost the most important person to me and I didn’t know how to get her back. And I was embarrassed to admit this openly. So I never have. Until this moment.

Even when things seemed to be on the up-and-up, I still held back because when I inquired, he’d say that he wasn’t ready. Later on, I finally understood that to mean “you’re just not it”. And honestly, that is okay.

I did everything I said I would in order to be the vulnerable person I set out to be. He didn’t accept it because I am not the girl that he needs.

When two people are not meant to be, no efforts they make will ever be enough.Click To Tweet

I told myself that my 30s would be all about me going after what (and who) I really wanted and I’ve been doing just that.

I’ve been on a vulnerability journey these past four years and I must say, it’s been one of the most challenging things I’ve ever decided to do. And believe me, I’ve tried. Some would say for far too long. But I didn’t want to have another failed psuedo-relationship. Even when things weren’t going as planned, I still thought the steps, however small, were taking me in the direction of a committed relationship.

It takes a lot of self-confidence and self-love to choose to wait for what is best for you. I’m learning that.

Although I’m most comfortable as a single woman, I now know what I am capable of. I know that I can give and receive love in different ways. I believe in God’s timing and that it can happen for me.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/the-beauty-and-blessing-of-being-single/feed/14 Books to Read This Summerhttp://lucyspearls.com/4-books-to-read-this-summer/
http://lucyspearls.com/4-books-to-read-this-summer/#commentsSat, 20 Jun 2015 22:41:35 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13290Reading was a form of escapism for me as a child. Escaping from the realities of life. I didn’t have a bad childhood, but my wild imagination made it all the better. I think I’ve always wanted to be somewhere other than where I was at the moment. Reading books allowed me to live vicariously […]

]]>Reading was a form of escapism for me as a child. Escaping from the realities of life. I didn’t have a bad childhood, but my wild imagination made it all the better. I think I’ve always wanted to be somewhere other than where I was at the moment. Reading books allowed me to live vicariously through the characters. Compiling a list of all of my favorite books will come at a later date but for right now, here are four books worth reading this summer.

A friend of mine always raved about this book. Based off of the title alone and what I’ve just admitted about my wanterlusting heart, I knew I had to read it. On instinct (or what some would say stupidity), an aspiring writer moves from the South to Paris during the 1980s. With only James Baldwin and Langston Hughes as her literary guides, the main character searches for love and inspiration through the city of Paris.

I learned 61 new words after reading this 477 page AMAZING novel. It’s been too long since I’ve read something I could not put down. Americanah tells the story of a young Nigerian woman who moves to the United States for an education and work. That’s the simplified version that I’m sticking to. I was immediately drawn to her because she became a popular race blogger. And she was from Lagos (where I’ve traveled). While in the U.S., she faced many insightful life experiences involving race relations. Above all, it’s a love story. And Chimamanda is a BOSS writer!!

Two friends, with equally horrible dating backgrounds, decided to see if they could date each other exclusively for forty days. I couldn’t wait to purchase the book so I read the majority of it online. And whoa. It was interesting to see how each person interpreted every day of the experiment in their online journal.

I saw the movie before I read the book and for once, the movie did not disappoint. Into the Wild is based on a true story of a young man who, after graduating college two years prior, gave away all his personal possessions and hitchhiked to Alaska. He took up a new life in search of something in the wilderness. I was drawn to this story because of the ease it took to rid himself of material belongings without a second thought. People have a lot of opinions about the book because of its tragic ending. To me, it was an exploration story and I can’t fault him for trying.

The very basic core of a man’s living spirit is his passion for ADVENTURE. The joy of life comes from our encounters with NEW experiences. -Christopher McCandless

In a way, all four of these books have shifted something inside of me when it comes to romantic love, the love of getting lost and experiencing life. Maybe you won’t be able to do as much traveling as you’d like this summer. No sense in wasting a good imagination! Check these books out and let me know what you think.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/4-books-to-read-this-summer/feed/2Rejection is God’s Protectionhttp://lucyspearls.com/rejection-is-gods-protection/
http://lucyspearls.com/rejection-is-gods-protection/#commentsWed, 10 Jun 2015 20:15:58 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13278Have you ever gotten played so much that you thought maybe you had a problem? Maybe you weren’t funny enough of attractive enough or talented enough. Maybe that’s why time and time again, you’ve received nothing but rejection? I read an article yesterday about submitting to God that was so right on time for me and […]

]]>Have you ever gotten played so much that you thought maybe you had a problem? Maybe you weren’t funny enough of attractive enough or talented enough. Maybe that’s why time and time again, you’ve received nothing but rejection?

I read an article yesterday about submitting to God that was so right on time for me and I wanted to share it with you all. You might be asking, now what does rejection and submitting to God have to do with one another? Well, allow me to let you see how it all works in my head.

Her whole life, the writer assumed that submitting to God meant He would handle everything for her. Whatever big decisions were coming up in her life, from work to relationships, she was depending on God to lead.

I was right along with her. Same story. Each time I’ve had to deal with something difficult, I’d run to God. And each time I did, I heard no response. So I began to think, clearly, God isn’t getting my messages. Maybe He was too busy with the world falling apart to hear my sad story. But I couldn’t help but feel (and still feel) slighted.

God, how many times do I have to be rejected before You hear my plea for help??

But the writer realized, maybe there’s a different way to submit. Maybe if she worked hard and did what she could, she could then present her works to God saying, “This is the best I can do. I’ve given You everything I have. But I realize I might have missed some things. Will You make it better?” She realized that putting in effort, taking the reigns of her life and then showing God what she’s come up with was better than sitting around waiting for Him to hand her something. I mean, he already did hand her something: breath in her lungs.

She then made a statement that really stuck with me.

“What if we labored over our lives, day and night, trying to make them beautiful?”

I read that over and over again.

I thought that’s what I was doing. I thought I’ve been doing the best that I can but that’s not true. I didn’t plan on writing this post. I didn’t know when I was going to bring myself to write my next post. When I’m going through something, the last thing I want to do is write. I feel like the words won’t flow. As a matter of fact, that’s when the words flow the most!

I woke up today with that article on my mind and I knew that I couldn’t give up. I couldn’t let the rejections from life weigh me down. I have to keep trying, keep working, keep believing. And once I’m done, I have to offer what I have to God and believe that He will make it better. So I guess today I’m gonna try again, amidst all of the rejections. Thanking God for reminding me of His protection.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/rejection-is-gods-protection/feed/6How to Stay Sane in This Crazy Worldhttp://lucyspearls.com/how-to-stay-sane-in-this-crazy-world/
http://lucyspearls.com/how-to-stay-sane-in-this-crazy-world/#commentsWed, 03 Jun 2015 17:26:04 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13245So I just finished reading ‘Ruby‘ by Cynthia Bond and damn her for letting me long for more. I won’t lie, this is the first book I can remember reading that I’ve fully understood and felt whatever the characters were feeling. It terrified me, made me sympathize and feel love all at the same time. […]

So I just finished reading ‘Ruby‘ by Cynthia Bond and damn her for letting me long for more. I won’t lie, this is the first book I can remember reading that I’ve fully understood and felt whatever the characters were feeling. It terrified me, made me sympathize and feel love all at the same time. Bond’s use of imagery was shockingly vivid and much appreciated. Her novel made me realize that life is crazy. People are going through unimaginable things and making through those situations with mere threads of their sanity. Now I understand how much power we have in order to stay sane in this crazy world.

So how do you stay sane in this crazy world? How can you create a semblance of life when the world feels to be crumbling around you?

1. MEDITATE – I recall when I was having anxiety last year that caused incessant heart palpitations. I really thought I wasn’t going to make it. Then I remembered to breathe. I remember that everything always passes through. Once you really learn how to center yourself and breathe, your worries instantly melt away. If you have trouble focusing while meditating, focus on something in the room. Stare at light until you feel like you’re staring THROUGH the light. Count sheep. No, for real. Count. You will begin to relax. Light candles. And BREATHE.

2. LESS MEDIA – I barely watch TV. When I do, it’s for no more than two hours a day. I watch movies sparingly. I used to read books like crazy and I’m getting back into the habit of that. You may not realize it but take it from someone who works in media, you are being distracted. Isn’t there something else you want to do than watch someone else living their lives?

3. EXERCISE – Now I’m not practicing what I preach here. It’s not that I don’t like working out, it’s that I’m too lazy to do it consistently. I know that a simple daily walk or jog would lower my blood pressure, but do I do it? No. Exercise folks. We need it.

4. HAVE FUN – Amongst all the things that HAVE to get done and get paid, we can’t forget that we are still living and deserve to enjoy life. Maybe you can’t afford to go on vacation but you can recreate it at home. Create your own oasis of peace. Do what makes you happy.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/how-to-stay-sane-in-this-crazy-world/feed/1I’m Not a Player, I Just Blog a Lothttp://lucyspearls.com/im-not-a-player-i-just-blog-a-lot/
http://lucyspearls.com/im-not-a-player-i-just-blog-a-lot/#commentsMon, 01 Jun 2015 17:50:46 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13222This statement couldn’t be a further exaggeration of the truth. Well, let me clarify. I’m neither player nor extreme blogger. So I’m the type of person that will take forever to do something, and then lose interest in it once it’s time to get it done. There have been so many times I decided I […]

]]>This statement couldn’t be a further exaggeration of the truth. Well, let me clarify. I’m neither player nor extreme blogger.

So I’m the type of person that will take forever to do something, and then lose interest in it once it’s time to get it done. There have been so many times I decided I wanted to start a new series or create a new project, only to blink my eyes and see everyone that else had put my vision into fruition.

And that’s the thing:

When you have an idea, act on it. Don’t get upset when someone else acts upon your idea.Click To Tweet

That’s what I have to remind myself.

And remember also,

Just because someone did it first, doesn’t mean they did it best.Click To Tweet

No one can be YOU and do things like you do. The race is within.Click To Tweet

When I first started this blog, I wrote everyday. It was therapeutic. I built a community with you all. It was fun, and it still can be.

All that to say, I will blog consistently again. Yeah, life gets crazy, but I miss this place. This is my space that I transparently share with you. I can’t get so consumed in my life that I forgot to share some of it with you all.

“If a nation loses its storytellers, it loses its childhood.” Peter Handke

If you’re a blogger or a writer, do you write everyday? What inspires you to write?

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/im-not-a-player-i-just-blog-a-lot/feed/4How to Write a Thoughtful Thank You Notehttp://lucyspearls.com/how-to-write-a-thoughtful-thank-you-note/
http://lucyspearls.com/how-to-write-a-thoughtful-thank-you-note/#commentsThu, 28 May 2015 16:05:56 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13209When you’re on an arduous journey, it can definitely feel like you’re all alone without anyone to guide you. It’s amazing how many people are willing to help you once you open up and discuss what you’re going through. I’ve been blessed this last year, well many years really, by some beyond amazing people who […]

]]>When you’re on an arduous journey, it can definitely feel like you’re all alone without anyone to guide you. It’s amazing how many people are willing to help you once you open up and discuss what you’re going through. I’ve been blessed this last year, well many years really, by some beyond amazing people who have come through for me in ways they did not have to. When you’re surrounded my generous spirits, it is your duty to show them how much you appreciate what they’ve done. And maybe you can’t afford to give them the world, but you can absolutely say thank you.

In this microwave age where we grab our change and speed off without acknowledging those who’ve served us, it’s easy to overlook acts of kindness. Thank goodness for Starbucks and Chick-Fil-A workers who never cease to remind me to be thankful. No really, those people are so nice!

Now that I have a bit of down-time, I decided to write some thank you notes to a few awesome people.

Because nothing says, “Man, you know I love you, right?” than a hand-written thank you note. Click To Tweet

How to Write a Thoughtful Thank You Note

1. GATHER YOUR CONTACTS – Figure out who you’re going to address. And maybe this means only sending notes out a few people at a time so you’re not overwhelmed.

2. ASSEMBLE YOUR MATERIALS – I’m a stationery FIEND. The picture above is only a few from my collection of craftily designed paper. Don’t think that you have to break the bank. I buy everything on sale at Target. Or if you’re great at design, make your own cards.

3. GET CREATIVE IN YOUR MESSAGING – Talk about specific times that they’ve helped you and how much you appreciate them. Fill up those blank spaces. Write just how you talk.

4. INCLUDE A GIFT – I know, this probably defeats the purpose of sending a card. But if you’ve got it, why not? If you can, give something as a small token of your appreciation. Or maybe say something about doing lunch or dinner, your treat, in the future. It’s the thought that counts.

I’m honestly MONTHS late on this but better late than never.

So when should you send a thank you note? Whenever you feel grateful, of course! Don’t wait until those main holidays to send an obligatory card. You know, graduation, births, weddings, etc. Send one when they least expect it so that they know it’s from the heart.

Got any tips you’d like to share? How do you say thank you? Do you feel cards are appreciated? Talk to me!

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/how-to-write-a-thoughtful-thank-you-note/feed/2Tell the Story That Lives Inside of Youhttp://lucyspearls.com/tell-the-story-that-lives-inside-of-you/
http://lucyspearls.com/tell-the-story-that-lives-inside-of-you/#commentsMon, 25 May 2015 14:18:07 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13177As the clock struck twelve one month ago, I got on my knees and recited a prayer of gratitude to my God. At first, I didn’t know what to say. I felt like I owed Him a deep and reflective conversation. Over and over again, I emphatically whispered thank you until I felt like He heard […]

]]>As the clock struck twelve one month ago, I got on my knees and recited a prayer of gratitude to my God. At first, I didn’t know what to say. I felt like I owed Him a deep and reflective conversation. Over and over again, I emphatically whispered thank you until I felt like He heard me. I slowly opened my eyes and realized, I really just turned 30 years old. I was alive. As tears formed in the corner of my eyes, I got into bed and drifted to sleep.

I’m not one to make a big to do of my birthday. But this year, I felt like celebrating. After all, you only turn 30 once. A few of my friends and I dined at Double Zero Napoletana and afterwards, I danced the night away at Loca Luna. See pictures here.

You wanna know something weird? I kinda wrote a speech to myself (in my head) for this birthday. What I mean by that is I gave myself several pep talks about the change I wanted to see in my 30s.

I won’t lie, since I quit my job in 2013, I’ve been battling with insecurity. Having a “stable” job, one that you can depend on, is a blessing. And when you voluntarily give that up in search of something unknown, it’s downright terrifying! Everything in your life comes into question.

Feeling unworthy, incapable, unlovable, unprepared, unsure. I felt like a foreigner in my own body. To not have control, to not have an answer – it was all too much some days.

But guess what? Things started changing once I got my faith back.

One thing I know rings true: believe in yourself even when you are unsure.Click To Tweet

So many things have happened these last few months.

I got an internship to hold me over while I searched for new opportunities. And then, one only God could orchestrate, a contract working at Coca-Cola. In my Drake voice, blessings on blessings on blessings. Now that that is over, on to another unknown journey.

What I’m learning from God right now is to give Him control. Clearly, He knows how to drive better than me. I’m just a terrified passenger stepping on imaginary brakes and trying to grab the wheel at the same time. He’s teaching me how to have patience and how to enjoy the scenic route.

I don’t have all of the answers to life and I don’t think I ever want them. I just want to continue to be utilized in a way that allows me to share the story. Because it’s not over. I THANK GOD IT’S NOT OVER. I have another chance to make it right, to try again, to question, to improve and to understand. That’s my prayer and challenge for you, too. I hope you find the strength to tell your story to whomever will listen; because we all have one and know someone who can benefit from it.

Got a story you want to share? Leave it in the comments below. I love to read them. And believe me, they inspire me just as much as you may think I inspire you.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/tell-the-story-that-lives-inside-of-you/feed/230 Gifts for a 30th Birthdayhttp://lucyspearls.com/30-gifts-for-a-30th-birthday/
http://lucyspearls.com/30-gifts-for-a-30th-birthday/#commentsFri, 24 Apr 2015 12:59:09 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13159On a scale of 1 to NeNe, how shady am I for not blogging for three weeks, only to come back with a birthday wish list? Well, I did it! Tomorrow is my birthday. A few people have been asking me what I wanted but that’s not really a question I’m good at answering. I […]

On a scale of 1 to NeNe, how shady am I for not blogging for three weeks, only to come back with a birthday wish list? Well, I did it! Tomorrow is my birthday. A few people have been asking me what I wanted but that’s not really a question I’m good at answering. I pretty much buy myself what I want but hey, if you want to get me something, I’d be the happiest girl in the world.

So what does a girl turning 30 want anyway? I thought long and hard about it and that’s really a tough question to answer. When we’re younger, the choices for gifts are endless. So many toys. The gifts start to get a little more complicated as you get older.

If you also have a friend entering their 30’s, maybe they’d also like something from this list. What to give a friend turning 30? I have 30 gift ideas for ya.

30 Gifts for a 30th Birthday

T-Shirt – I’m not one for graphic tees, especially not ones that date me but this vintage 1985 tee is super cute and tasteful.

Cupcakes – If you’ve been living under a rock, you probably didn’t get the memo that cupcakes are all the rage nowadays. Atlanta just got a Georgetown Cupcakes and I’ve been meaning to try them. I’m sure your sweet-toothed friend would really appreciate this.

Spa Gift Voucher – I don’t know what happen but towards the second half of age 29, my body got all kinds of kinks, aches and pains. I don’t think anyone would turn down a trip to the spa. I personally think Jeju, here in Atlanta, is the bomb. You can go and spend an entire day there.

Homemade Personalized Gifts – Anything from the heart is much appreciated.

Money – As is plain ole cash.

Macy’s Gift Card – If you know me, you know that I love shoes. Just about all of my shoes come the sales rack at Macy’s. I’ve found so many beauties there. And the discounts?! Lord.

Target Gift Card – No one can resist the big read dot. Go into Target for one thing, leave with 15. It’s a trap, a good trap.

Restaurant Gift Card – This is a no-brainer. When in doubt, give food.

Concert Tickets – Find out who will be in town and surprise your friend with a pair. Of course you’re the plus one so maybe pick a show you both would enjoy.

Adventure – I’ve been dying to do something FUN for a really long time, but funds. I’m thinking Andretti’s, laser tag, paint balling, rock climbing, etc. Birthdays can be fun for everyone.

Perfume – Now this one is a bit tricky. I would straight up ask the person what they wear instead of guessing. Scents I’ve been loving: Viktor & Rolf: Flowerbomb, Gucci: Guilty, and Thierry Mugler: Angel.

Candles – I’ve fallen back in love with candles. Aromatherapy calms my spirit. Plus, candles just smell so good. A few of my favorites come from Anthropologie and Henri Bendel.

Sephora Gift Card – I can’t count how many times I go to Sephora to “try” on a foundation. I’ve been “trying” them on for years. Still haven’t purchased a real bottle lol. Needless to say, I’m in there a lot. Your woman friend would probably be in line next to me. Get her this.

Books – I have a lot of books. The list of books I want to read grow more and more each day. For instance, I’m dying to read Ruby by Cynthia Bond. I haven’t added that to my Amazon wish list but I should.

Stationary – I think more than anything, I love paper. Like, I really have a love affair with paper. Note cards, post it notes, note pads – you can never have enough.

Laptop Bag – I haven’t found one that I really love yet but when I do, I’ll update this list.

Camera – I can’t even count how many times I’ve purchased a camera only to sell it because it wasn’t good enough or I wasn’t using it enough. But I’m tired of having to wait on someone to take my photos.

Gas Card – I live 30+ miles from the city and travel for work and play just about 7 days a week. I go through A LOT of gas. A gas card is a blessing.

Brazilian Wax Card – The things we do to relieve ourselves of the inconvenience of shaving. Never again can I go two months without a wax. *shudders*

Ikea Gift Card – Sometimes, I just like to go to IKEA for inspiration. Their stuff is so reasonably priced, you really can’t go wrong.

H&M Gift Card – Just about all of my clothes come from H&M. Pretty good quality clothing for a great price.

Movies Gift Card – Last time I went to the movies, I believe it was around $13. That’s ridiculous. If you’re friend loves movies, treat them to one.

The Container Store Gift Card – Honestly, I can’t afford much in this store. Every once in a while I’ll go in and splurge but only on one item. I’m in love with their various makeup organizers. My lipglosses and brushes could use a new home.

Whole Foods Gift Card – When I’m nice and rich, I’m strictly going to shop for produce and all things natural from Whole Foods Market. For right now, I’ll continue to carefully weigh my dinner plate. You can easily spend $15 on a salad if you’re not careful.

Heutiful Steamer – If I don’t get this steamer, I’m chopping my hair off. I’m positive this is my only saving grace.

Puzzles – This might be me channeling my inner old lady but puzzles are comforting. A nice way to get your mind off of your troubles. I recently just bought a 1000 piece puzzle and I cannot wait to have some downtime to get started.

30 Day Personal Trainer – No lie, if you got me this, I’d love you forever. All I need is 30 days for a trainer to whip me into shape.

Naked Eyeshadow Palette – I’ve been eyeing this palette for years now. Can’t seem to shell the money out for it but it would be a lovely gift for a girl who loves makeup.

There you have it boys and girls. Thirty birthday gift items for your friend (or me), who’s turning thirty. Survey says: gift cards are the best gifts

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/30-gifts-for-a-30th-birthday/feed/47 Female Style Bloggers You Should Knowhttp://lucyspearls.com/7-female-style-bloggers-you-should-know/
http://lucyspearls.com/7-female-style-bloggers-you-should-know/#commentsWed, 01 Apr 2015 00:30:57 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13120As a blogger, I take in a lot of content from fellow style bloggers. Most of that content is too good to keep to myself. I wrote about a few of my favorite fashion bloggers a few years ago and since then, I’ve added/replaced some of them. To me, these personal style bloggers do a […]

]]>As a blogger, I take in a lot of content from fellow style bloggers. Most of that content is too good to keep to myself. I wrote about a few of my favorite fashion bloggers a few years ago and since then, I’ve added/replaced some of them. To me, these personal style bloggers do a great job not only with their personal style but being able to let their personalities shine through as well. There’s only so many style blogs you can read before your eyes cross from seeing the same trend and handbag on every blogger’s page. Then there are style bloggers whose life stories are interwoven beautifully into their posts, making the visit to their site a pleasant one.

7 Female Style Bloggers You Should Know

1. Frédérique Tietcheu, I Go By Frankie: I’ll be honest…In my head, I dress like Carrie Bradshaw. But really, I dress like a school teacher who’s rebelling. Frédérique, aka Frankie, is like Carrie Bradshaw in the 70s. Something about her smile seems purely genuine through her photos. This Parisian is funky-fab and I can dig it. (Photo via I Go By Frankie)

2. Julie Sarinana,Sincerely Jules: Jules’ style is where I want to be in my 30s. She completely understands and appreciates all things glam-caj (that’s glam casual, if you’re not hip to the lingo). She’s like a walking advertisement for the LA-type and I love it. (Photo via Sincerely Jules)

3 & 4.Thaina and Patrice Madere, Secret Des Soeurs: Now I’ve blogged about these ladies before so I might be a bit biased here but it doesn’t hurt to reiterate.It the saying “there is power in numbers” must be true in this case because these sisters are doing IT. Okay? With the help of amazing photography, they have taken their personal style to fashion editorial levels. In my humble opinion. (Photo via Secret Des Soeurs)

5. Aimee Song, Song of Style: This girl right here is TOO fabulous. Her style is simple but it’s her personality that makes it shine the most. Some bloggers get to a point in stardom where they’re too big to be human. Not her. She still blogs like a regular girl. (Photo via Song of Style)

6. Ashleigh Hutchinson, The Daileigh: I think she takes fashion risks and has the body to work it. Two things I notice she does very well and it could quite possibly her “thing: crop tops and monochromatic pieces. Her look can go from professional to sexy in the blink of an eye. (Photo via The Daileigh)

7. Nicole Warne, Gary Pepper Girl: Honestly, this girl is living a dream. Not only is her style classic and timeless, the places she goes in them reflect the same. Her photos are the PERFECT example of the magic that can happen when you date a photographer. (Photo via Gary Pepper Girl)

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/7-female-style-bloggers-you-should-know/feed/2Fanm Djanm Headwraps by Paola Marthehttp://lucyspearls.com/fanm-djanm-headwraps-by-paola-marthe/
http://lucyspearls.com/fanm-djanm-headwraps-by-paola-marthe/#commentsFri, 27 Mar 2015 21:00:12 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13075As you may know, if you’ve been following my blog for a while and my other social platforms, I’m a proud Haitian-American. Seeing fellow Haitians display their pride online always makes me extremely happy. Enter Paola Mathe, blogger at Finding Paola and creator of Fanm Djanm headwraps. Paola is from Pétionville, Haiti and moved to New York […]

]]>As you may know, if you’ve been following my blog for a while and my other social platforms, I’m a proud Haitian-American. Seeing fellow Haitians display their pride online always makes me extremely happy. Enter Paola Mathe, blogger at Finding Paola and creator of Fanm Djanm headwraps.

Paola is from Pétionville, Haiti and moved to New York City over a decade ago. She utilizes her lifestyle blog to talk about her life in Harlem, her personal style and random thoughts.

I’m inspired by her as a creator because of her love of life that shines through her work. You can tell that she has a spirit that is infectious in a good way.

“I take everyday as a new adventure, and I learn something from it as well. I can’t wait to meet more people. To see more. To feel more. To taste more. And to love more.”

I came to know of her after seeing her lovely headwraps on Instagram. She started a movement that allows women of all colors to see how strong and beautiful they are and can be.

FANM DJANM MEANS STRONG WOMAN.

The brand: A collection of colorful and stylish headwraps to celebrate strong women from around the world.

The movement: There are strong women everywhere. Some know their strength, and others haven’t yet figured theirs out. This brand is to empower women from all walks of life to be bold, beautiful, and powerful.

I love that some of her headwraps are named after strong women or phrases in Kreyòl. Y’all, if I really knew how to wrap my hair, I would be rocking all of these styles.

I’m literally obsessed with these images. Who would’ve imagined a headwrap being used to convey strength and beauty? And it does so well!

Paola doesn’t just sell headwraps, she has tons more goodies in her shop. Jewelry, clothes, bags. Whatever tickles your fancy. I don’t know Paola but I’m proud of her work. I’m proud that she fearlessly pursues her dreams and that’s a beautiful sight to see.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/fanm-djanm-headwraps-by-paola-marthe/feed/120 Things I Learned in my 20shttp://lucyspearls.com/20-things-i-learned-in-my-20s/
http://lucyspearls.com/20-things-i-learned-in-my-20s/#commentsMon, 23 Mar 2015 14:34:03 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=13053One of the most vivid memories of my early 20s was going out for drinks with friends and somehow finding myself dry-humping a wall. Ah yes, those were the days. But in a month, I will be thirty and I don’t know how. How did I get here? First of all, thanks God. But for real […]

One of the most vivid memories of my early 20s was going out for drinks with friends and somehow finding myself dry-humping a wall. Ah yes, those were the days. But in a month, I will be thirty and I don’t know how. How did I get here? First of all, thanks God. But for real though? Just the other day, I was 18 without a care in the world. At 25, I was still turning up like you wouldn’t believe. Now? I can’t wait to get home on Friday and sleep off all of the exhaustion from the week. A drink? My stomach can’t take the thought.

The following advice in this post is almost all a result of my first hand experiences. Everything that I’ve gone through in my 20s, has molded me into the woman I am today. Of course I’ve had many regrets that I later took back because without the experience, I would not have gotten the lesson. I’m still learning the lessons. But if I could share with you what I wish someone would’ve shared with me, this is what I would say.

20 Things I Learned in my 20s

Spirituality

At some point, you will question why you exist. Possibly, you’ll want to try on a few religions. None of that is bad.

We should all question what we believe in order to be firm on what we stand for. Click To Tweet

You owe yourself certainty. And when you get it, believe with all your might.

Sexuality and Sexual Health

Take charge of your body and don’t leave it in the hands of anyone else. It is your job to get tested every 6 months, whether you’re in a relationship or not. Don’t do yourself the injustice of not knowing what is going into your body.

Here’s the thing: the only way to protect yourself from disease is abstinence. Point blank period. If you have sex, there are several things that can happen to you: pure euphoria, vaginal discomfort, STDs, HIV or pregnancy. Take your pick. But don’t be surprised if/when any of these things happen. And by the way, you can still contract an STD while performing oral or receiving anal sex.

Always carry baby wipes. Whether it’s in your purse or a pack in your car, wipes will get you out of any sticky situation.

Relationships and Intimacy

If your partner is unable or unwilling to do something to make both of you happy, it’s time to go. Considering the other persons feelings is great but don’t forget about you and what you want.

You will always find the answer you need when you communicate.Click To Tweet

This is not to stay that the answer you receive is the answer you desire.

Rarely any relationship is perfect. Don’t believe what you see on social media. Yes, the love is there but the journey was probably rocky. You’ve got to know whether what you have is worth the drama.

Friendships

The length of time you’ve known someone means nothing if the relationship has no DEPTH.Click To Tweet

As you get older and your close friends become few, you have to work harder to maintain the ones you really love. Plan dates, talk about goals, help out where you can, and be there when it matters.

The friends you partied with in college might not be around afterwards and that’s completely fine. As you grow, it’ll be a continual process of figuring out who you are and who your kind of people are. It doesn’t make those you no longer spend time with useless; they’re just no longer for you. Seasons change. Why can’t we?

Family

As annoying as they may be sometimes, you will start to realize how smart your parents are. Being a parent is probably the most important job in the world. It requires sacrifice and complete selflessness. And once you’ve wised up to all that they’ve done for you, you won’t take them for granted again.

Self-Esteem and Mental Health

No one will truly understand what you’re going through because they are not you. They can empathize but you are in your body, your mind. With that being said, you are in charge of YOU. Negative energy, verbal abuse, pessimistic mindsets and your own limiting thoughts have got to go.

Even the most sane people are a little crazy. When your problems become too much to deal with on your own, seek a professional who you can trust to help with your issues.

Random

Somewhere around age 27, something shifts in most 20-somethings where your tolerance for alcohol begins to wane. After just a few shots, you’re ready to call it a night because, you just can’t. You refuse to make a fool of yourself in public anymore. Enter, red wine.

If you want to fuck up, DO IT NOW. You probably don’t have any kids or major responsibilities. Take advantage of that.

Career and Education

College isn’t for everyone. The system is not set up for us to be debt-free. You go to college and learn years of pointless information instead of being taught how to function in the real world and how to apply real life skills. There will be many distractions in college but remember the money that it’s costing you to be there. Don’t waste your time or your parents dime.

Life is too short to do anything you don’t want to do. If you know what you want to study doesn’t require a university degree, don’t go! There are trade schools and community colleges that are an option. What matters to most businesses is whether you possess those tangible skills to make them money.

Take internships. Take at least two meaningful internships before you graduate. Make sure you have a portfolio of work to show for that internship or be able to explain how you’ve helped the company grow or else it doesn’t matter.

Your school has hired many professionals, including therapists, at your disposal for free. Do not leave without going to see them. Take advantage of everything free.

Don’t expect to have your life all figured out. If you’re one of the fortunate ones who’ve figured it all out in your 20s, that’s great.

Life is all a journey. You’ve got to keep going in order to keep growing.Click To Tweet

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/20-things-i-learned-in-my-20s/feed/53 Blogs About Advanced Blogging You Should Readhttp://lucyspearls.com/3-blogs-about-advanced-blogging-you-should-read/
http://lucyspearls.com/3-blogs-about-advanced-blogging-you-should-read/#commentsThu, 19 Mar 2015 20:00:54 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=12937If you’ve been blogging for 5 or more years like myself, you’ve probably reached the point where you want to get into the nitty-gritty of blogging. At this point, you know all of the basics and you want to learn the harder stuff. If you’re anything like me, the harder stuff include technical topics like […]

If you’ve been blogging for 5 or more years like myself, you’ve probably reached the point where you want to get into the nitty-gritty of blogging. At this point, you know all of the basics and you want to learn the harder stuff. If you’re anything like me, the harder stuff include technical topics like SEO, HTML, ad campaigns and analytics.

The blogosphere is inundated with regurgitated information and that’s okay for a beginning blogger, not someone who’s more advanced, like you. It’s rare to find a blog about blogging that provides new and refreshing content. Bloggers that are transparent about how they got to their level of success in this business are the type of bloggers I like. They aren’t afraid to share how you can be great too.

I’ve taken it upon myself to learn a few things the hard way. And by hard I mean I google every single thing I want to know. Although I’d love to take a class or two, anything more than a dollar is more than I can afford. Once I google my question, I read post after post after post on the subject and start applying the tips to my blog. It’s a tedious process but I’ve seen so much progress.

I thought I knew all there was to know about blogging until visiting these sites. I’ve spent HOURS reading and applying what I’ve read. It would be completely selfish of me to keep these great blogs to myself, so here goes.

3 Favorite Blogs About Advanced Blogging

I honestly don’t know where I’d be had I not discovered Regina’s blog the beginning of this year. When I like something I read online, I print so that I can go back and highlight what I’ve learned. I basically printed Regina’s entire blog, I am not kidding. By far, Regina has been THE most transparent blogger I’ve ever come across. She’s the first blogger I saw who disclosed how much she made a month blogging and detailed exactly where all the money came from. The goal of many bloggers is to eventually make money from it. Regina does an amazing job thoroughly discussing the basics to advanced blogging. If you follow her tips, there’s no way you won’t succeed as a blogger.

I’ve learned so much about the technical side of blogging from IFB. When you’re blogging, understanding why taking great images matter and having access to individuals in the fashion world giving professional advice is priceless. The community is great as well because we’re all learning and sharing.

Working in media, I know that social and marketing tactics are always evolving. I’ve learned so much about the business side of blogging from Copyblogger. Creating E-books and podcasts may be a popular thing now with bloggers, but it has always been a large part of content marketing. Being a blogger is great. Being a blogger that writes and writes well is even better. Creating content that elicits conversation is how stay in this game. Understanding that providing value is essential in the blogosphere will get you very far. Be invaluable!

So those are my three favorite blogs about blogging. Now your turn to share. Who do you look to as a resource for all things blogging?

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/3-blogs-about-advanced-blogging-you-should-read/feed/4Self-Esteem: I Am Not My Hairhttp://lucyspearls.com/self-esteem-i-am-not-my-hair/
http://lucyspearls.com/self-esteem-i-am-not-my-hair/#commentsFri, 13 Mar 2015 13:00:54 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=12859You know that feeling you get when you leave the hair salon with freshly styled hair. Your self-esteem is on fleek! There’s not a cloud in the sky, birds seem to be singing a melodic song, people are laughing and carrying along. You look good and no one can steal your joy. I’ve been really […]

]]>You know that feeling you get when you leave the hair salon with freshly styled hair. Your self-esteem is on fleek! There’s not a cloud in the sky, birds seem to be singing a melodic song, people are laughing and carrying along. You look good and no one can steal your joy.

I’ve been really wanting to cut my hair lately and start over. To me, my hair is damaged. From getting color and not treating it properly, to a severely malnourished diet, my strands always seem to be deprived of moisture. I went to the salon set on getting a haircut but somehow, someway, my stylist managed to speak life into my hair.

Side bar: I won at Macy’s. These Nine West shoes were originally $119 and I paid $20 for it. Look at God.

My issues with my hair got me thinking about self-esteem and how as women, the way our hair looks directly affects how we feel about ourselves in that moment. Ladies, keep it real, when your hair isn’t on point, you think you’re ugly, right?? I mean, cancel life because…my hair isn’t acting right today. I know you feel me. So how do we get to that happy medium where we don’t allow our hair to define who we are or how we feel about ourselves? I AM NOT MY HAIR, remember? Easy. Stop giving a fuck. Maybe, just maybe, if we stopped trying to have Brazilian wavy hair and unrealistic hair length goals and just ACCEPT our hair as is, maybe it would flourish. How we feel about our hair is an inside job, you know? We have the power to change that.

I never used to have serious confidence issues when it comes to hair but in the last year, it’s really been a struggle. But I’m over it. Fuck it and let it do what it wants to do.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/self-esteem-i-am-not-my-hair/feed/2Songstresses with Powerful Lyricshttp://lucyspearls.com/songstresses-with-powerful-lyrics/
http://lucyspearls.com/songstresses-with-powerful-lyrics/#commentsWed, 04 Mar 2015 00:00:16 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=12780Give me a song with lyrics about real life, pain and sorrow, and I’ll play the record incessantly. Music has the power to make you feel emotions and desire situations that are probably foreign to you. You ever notice how you’ll listen to a sad song, totally happy about your place in life mind you, […]

]]>Give me a song with lyrics about real life, pain and sorrow, and I’ll play the record incessantly. Music has the power to make you feel emotions and desire situations that are probably foreign to you. You ever notice how you’ll listen to a sad song, totally happy about your place in life mind you, and it has the power to completely shift your mood? I consider myself a happy sad person. I love sadness. I love it because to be sad, you have to dig deep within you to reveal emotion. When you’re sad, your thoughts and conversations cannot be shallow. So whether it’s a good sad song or one of inspiration and longing, I rock with it because it’s meaningful.

There are four albums in particular that I can literally listen to from beginning to end without skipping once. These albums belong to artists that all happen to be women with unique voices. What do these they all have in common besides their beautiful voices? Powerful lyrics.

SONGSTRESSES WITH POWERFUL LYRICS

LAURA MVULA

I remember a friend of mine sending me a song by Laura Mvula. Being a sucker for creative visuals, I was drawn to her music video. It wasn’t until I saw her live last year did I really begin to appreciate the masterpiece that is her album, Sing To The Moon. You guys….really. Imagine being in a secret garden filled with precious little fairies that dance around your head, sprinkling fairy dust and singing in 12-part harmony. Her music is magic. Laura is truly an artist that hears colors and brings them to life through her music. Her lyrics paints leave you feeling optimistic and free.

EMILY KING

I first learned of this native New Yorker through a PJ Morton concert back in 2008. Then, her sound was very soulful. A few years ago, she came out with an EP called Seven and I fell in love. No seriously. Emily’s voice is like the effects of Vick’s vapor rub after a long night of being unable to breathe. Her voice is soothing and refreshing. Seeing her perform last year was probably the best show of 2014 because not only do her lyrics ring true, they align with her spirit. You just know every word comes straight from the heart.

LIANNE LA HAVAS

Now this British babe is a powerhouse in a tiny package. I can’t recall how I was introduced to her music but I’m eternally grateful. She put on an amazing show a few years ago. Delivered in a raspy tone, Lianne’s lyrics are piercingly honest. Remember in Sex and the City when Miranda told Steve “YOU BROKE US! I changed who I was for you.”? Remember that feeling? Yeah. That scene is what Lianne’s music reminds me of: it’s emotional and real.

EMELI SANDE

Her lyrics are reminiscent of tear-stained journal entries from your 20s come to life. Like when you finally got a chance to sit down and analyze your feelings and you wrote and wrote and wrote. Her lyrics are reflective of events past. Her lyrics have nothing but the truth, the humble truth.

I don’t keep many albums on my phone but these four ladies and their music will always be available when I need a listen. Just thought I’d share some of my favorite artists with powerful lyrics with you. If you’ve never heard of them before, you’re welcome and enjoy.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/songstresses-with-powerful-lyrics/feed/22015 Pantone Color of the Year: Marsalahttp://lucyspearls.com/2015-pantone-color-of-the-year-marsala/
http://lucyspearls.com/2015-pantone-color-of-the-year-marsala/#respondFri, 27 Feb 2015 18:30:09 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=11956If you’ve never heard of the PANTONE, it’s not your fault. But if you’re a graphic artist or designer and haven’t heard of it, shame on you. PANTONE is the leader in color communication, known for its matching system. This year’s color, Marsala, couldn’t be any more rich and exciting. I first learned of PANTONE through […]

If you’ve never heard of the PANTONE, it’s not your fault. But if you’re a graphic artist or designer and haven’t heard of it, shame on you. PANTONE is the leader in color communication, known for its matching system. This year’s color, Marsala, couldn’t be any more rich and exciting.

I first learned of PANTONE through Instagram a year ago. Creatives that I follow kept posting these color swatches and matching them with elements in nature. I came to know of this matching to be what is studied at the Pantone Color Institute.

At the Pantone Color Institute, experts study, research and predict color trends. These experts work with brands on their color strategy to effectively market themselves and communicate their story. Every year, a new color is revealed.

I’ve been meaning to do one of these Pantone Color of the Year inspiration boards and I finally got around to it. An annual color challenges creatives to visually communicate, design and create in a new way. 2015’s Color is Marsala and I’m actually kinda obsessed with it. Last Fall, I really got into deep wine colors and Marsala was inspired by the richness of wine.

“Much like the fortified wine that gives Marsala its name, this tasteful hue embodies the satisfying richness of a fulfilling meal while its grounding red-brown roots emanate a sophisticated, natural earthiness.”

“The impactful, full-bodied qualities of Marsala make for an elegant, grounded statement color when used on its own or as a strong accent to many other colors.”

So why Marsala?

“Marsala is a subtly seductive shade, one that draws us in to its embracing warmth.” Leatrice EisemanExecutive Director, Pantone Color Institute

Marsala’s warm mix of deep red and brown is flattering on many skin types, especially people of color. It adds a subdued, yet robust touch to furnishings, apparel and design. I’m looking forward to utilizing this color as inspiration in my style and things I decide to create.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/2015-pantone-color-of-the-year-marsala/feed/0Head & Shoulders Moisture Care Collectionhttp://lucyspearls.com/head-shoulders-moisture-care-collection/
http://lucyspearls.com/head-shoulders-moisture-care-collection/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 14:24:26 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=12586This post is sponsored by P&G. Compensation was provided by P&G via Mode Media. Wash Day: one of my least favorite days of all time. Something about the process of cleansing the hair and scalp, that isn’t what I’d call a jolly good time. I do it because the results, those thick, soft and bouncy […]

Wash Day: one of my least favorite days of all time. Something about the process of cleansing the hair and scalp, that isn’t what I’d call a jolly good time. I do it because the results, those thick, soft and bouncy twists are well worth the effort. Cue in the new Head & Shoulders Moisture Care Collection.

Side note: as a blogger, receiving FULL SIZE products in the mail is almost as good as Christmas. Almost.

Now I wouldn’t go as far as to call myself a product junkie (although my two full bins sitting in my bathroom could probably put many to shame). But I’m a girl and we love our hair! I had no idea that Head & Shoulders had a hair care line designed specifically for our textured hair. They even know we brown girls co-wash.

So what’s good about this product? I’ll get to my opinion in a second. Here’s what they say:

BENEFITS OF HEAD & SHOULDERS MOISTURE CARE COLLECTION

It eliminates dandruff – because no one has time for flaky scalp.

It adds moisture – our hair THRIVES off of moisture. Vitamin E-rich almond oil, coconut essence and zinc pyrithione (ZPT) are the three main ingredients of this product line.

This collection includes a shampoo, 2-n-1, co-wash and scalp soother. I received the last three. My hair generally looks like it needs rescuing. This day was no different. Before using the products, I prepoo’d with my favorite oils to prepare my hair.

I cleansed with the 2-n-1 dandruff shampoo and conditioner. I must note that detangling is a very important step in my hair routine. After using the 2-n-1, I barely had to detangle. Not only that, the product elongated my strands really nicely. See the right side? I definitely felt like I was team long hair, don’t care.

After rinsing out the 2-n-1, I applied the co-wash. A co-wash is when you cleanse your hair and scalp with conditioner. Generally, you do a co-wash when you feel that your hair could use more moisture. For this review, I used it right after shampooing and I was pleased with the result. My strands were shiny and so so soft.

After towel-drying, I moisturized and proceeded to flat twist. And voila! The only downfall is that when twisting hair while wet, you’ll have a considerable amount of shrinkage. But since I’m not applying heat to my hair right now, I just had to deal with it. I think it came out really cute and defined.

When my hair was dried, I pumped a bit of the scalp soother directly on my scalp and massaged it. The peppermint oil left my scalp feeling tingly and squeaky clean. The good thing about this scalp soother is that it can be applied to wet or dry hair. So whenever you need a refresh, pump away! All in all, I was quite impressed with these products and I will continue using it until the very last drop.

Have you tried these products yet? If so, what was your experience? Like it? Love it? Let me know!

Head and Shoulders scientists explored the unique needs and characteristics of African American hair and found a drastic need for moisture and protection. Head & Shoulders NEW Moisture Care collection, with Vitamin E rich almond oil and coconut essence, provides moisture for scalp and hair immediately and also over time, eliminating dandruff and leaving you 100% flake-free. For more information, visit Head & Shoulders on Facebook (www.facebook.com/headandshoulders) and follow @HeadShoulders on Twitter.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/head-shoulders-moisture-care-collection/feed/2God Always Has the Final Sayhttp://lucyspearls.com/god-always-has-the-final-say/
http://lucyspearls.com/god-always-has-the-final-say/#commentsThu, 26 Feb 2015 04:21:46 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=12723On Friday, I rushed home, ready to take a post work nap, exhausted from the day. I had just gotten a really bad cold and wanted nothing more than to start over. As I pulled up to the driveway, I noticed the front door was wide open. Honestly, I didn’t think too much of it […]

On Friday, I rushed home, ready to take a post work nap, exhausted from the day. I had just gotten a really bad cold and wanted nothing more than to start over. As I pulled up to the driveway, I noticed the front door was wide open. Honestly, I didn’t think too much of it because it happened twice before due to the wind. But I called my mother anyway, inquiring as to who was forgetful enough to do it this time. Never in a million years did I expect to see what I saw next.

By the time I entered the through doorway, I noticed a few odd things. Several doors were opened, things strewn recklessly on the floor and the faint sound of a faucet running. I was still on the phone with my mother, reporting all that I was seeing. I walked into the kitchen to find the door to the deck shattered and a large rock on the floor. I screamed and walked rushed back out. of the house, fearing someone would still be inside. In a matter of minutes, at least five police cars were at my front door, along with my parents. After the police officers examined the home, I was allowed to enter. In my mind, I already knew what would be gone. When I entered my bedroom, I discovered that they’d stolen my Sprout by HP (sent to me to review) and my MAC laptop.

I will not lie: I was HURT, pissed and confused. As I gave the officers a description of the things I lost, I got emotional and started crying. I couldn’t understand why they would steal the most valuable things to me. I was even more pissed because I’m almost positive I know who did it.

But by the time I left the house, a peace washed over me. There’s nothing I could have done. It’s unfortunately that people just do bad things. My situation isn’t new or unheard of. In that moment, I chose to let go of what was because I couldn’t control it. I knew that the real test is how you deal with the situations that come into your life. What’s so ironic, in hindsight, is that I was momentarily furious at my parents, who managed to laugh at the situation. That boiled my blood. What was so funny? How can you laugh at a time like this? I couldn’t believe they were making light of the situation. But maybe they weren’t. Maybe they have the assurance that it’s in God’s hands now and that there isn’t reason to worry. I’ll never be able to laugh but I can learn something or two from them. I can learn that through every circumstance, if you Give your problems to God, he will solve them. All that to say, count your blessings, be grateful for LIFE and God always has the final word in every situation.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/god-always-has-the-final-say/feed/8Accessorize Your Look with Rocksbox Jewelryhttp://lucyspearls.com/accessorize-your-look-with-rocksbox-jewelry/
http://lucyspearls.com/accessorize-your-look-with-rocksbox-jewelry/#respondWed, 18 Feb 2015 14:00:39 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=12510If you haven’t noticed, I don’t really wear jewelry that much. And when I do, I choose very simple pieces. So when the lovely people at Rocksbox emailed me about a free three-month subscription, I was a little hesitant. Until I went to their website… In my first Rocksbox, I received three intricately designed pieces. […]

If you haven’t noticed, I don’t really wear jewelry that much. And when I do, I choose very simple pieces. So when the lovely people at Rocksbox emailed me about a free three-month subscription, I was a little hesitant. Until I went to their website…

In my first Rocksbox, I received three intricately designed pieces. Probably my favorite of the three I received is this Urban Gem Malia necklace. My favorite color is purple. How did they know??

I’m so grateful that I was gifted this three-month subscription but of course, I can’t be selfish. Visit the website for your own FREE FIRST-MONTH SUBSCRIPTION to Rocksbox. All you have to do is enter my code at checkout: lucyspearlsxoxo. After the first 30 days, that first month free code turns into a 50% off first month code!

I’ll be posting my looks on Instagram and in blog posts on here. I’m ecstatic!

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/accessorize-your-look-with-rocksbox-jewelry/feed/0Valentine’s Day Love Everydayhttp://lucyspearls.com/valentines-day-love-everyday/
http://lucyspearls.com/valentines-day-love-everyday/#commentsSat, 14 Feb 2015 14:00:11 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=12058It’s that time of year again that everyone loves to hate. I don’t mind Valentine’s Day. The candy is always good and there’s always enough for everyone. What I don’t like about Valentine’s Day is the pressure that society attaches to it. Sometimes, Valentine’s Day makes people feel unworthy and unloved. This couldn’t be further from […]

It’s that time of year again that everyone loves to hate. I don’t mind Valentine’s Day. The candy is always good and there’s always enough for everyone. What I don’t like about Valentine’s Day is the pressure that society attaches to it.

Sometimes, Valentine’s Day makes people feel unworthy and unloved. This couldn’t be further from the truth. We see couples publicly proclaiming their love for one another and think that we should have that same love. While their love might be great, it’s theirs. It comes with hard work, dedication, commitment, boundaries, sacrifices, etc. We sometimes look at relationships and think they are goals to attain but we have no idea how they got to where they are or the struggles they face to stay there. Not having what someone else does doesn’t take away from how special you are. Once you realize that, you’ll be closer to attaining what was meant for you.

If Valentine’s Day is really about showing love, then it’s not just a romantic holiday at all. I’ve probably said this on here before but romantic love isn’t the only love there is. We focus so much on love from a significant other when that love should come from self FIRST. When you love yourself, you become a lovable person; the love you have for yourself will shine through. Now, that doesn’t mean that you’ll get a mate. Clearly, I’m perfect yet still mateless HA! But when you love yourself, you create more room for love to fill you in unexpected ways. So don’t turn down that candy from your colleague, girl. Appreciate that hug from your niece, boy. Valentine’s Day is about LOVE, period.

Also, here’s something I want you to remember: You are not that difficult to love. Who cares that he or she doesn’t get you or why you’re awesome? That person wasn’t for you and they aren’t worth your tears. Let go.

When you do find the love that’s worth every moment, cherish that gift and be completely vulnerable. I was watching Super Soul Sunday this week and was intrigued by the words of the guest, Richard Rohr. He spoke about a lot of things but what struck me the most was what he said about love and risk.

“To fall in love, you have to take the risk of changing yourself for this person. You have to let go of who you thought you were before you loved that person. You’re giving them the power to change you. If you don’t give your partner the power to change you, I don’t think you really love them.” Richard Rohr

Falling in love is a gift that can only be unwrapped when you’re ready. When you’ve reached that level of comfort, you must give the other person the power to change you. If you’re not willing to risk being changed by someone you love, is it worth it? If they can’t move you, inspire you, make you better, is it love?

I’m no expert and these are just my thoughts but I wanted to share a few thoughts for someone who might need it. Don’t wait for Valentine’s Day, the perfect time or perfect person. Choose love everyday. It will be difficult and sometimes uncomfortable but in the end, it will be worth it.

]]>http://lucyspearls.com/valentines-day-love-everyday/feed/13 Career Transition Tipshttp://lucyspearls.com/3-career-transition-tips/
http://lucyspearls.com/3-career-transition-tips/#commentsWed, 11 Feb 2015 22:00:18 +0000http://lucyspearls.com/?p=11958Two weeks ago, I started a new gig, 401 days since I left my last corporate position. Yes, I counted. It feels good to be back in a corporate setting. Being among peers my age for the first time is certainly welcomed. I have two computer screens, which, the non-techie in me is amazed by. […]

Two weeks ago, I started a new gig, 401 days since I left my last corporate position. Yes, I counted.

It feels good to be back in a corporate setting. Being among peers my age for the first time is certainly welcomed. I have two computer screens, which, the non-techie in me is amazed by. I’m doing much of what I’m skilled at, social media, and learning new techniques along the way.

As soon as January 1st hit, people started calling me. I am reminded that my year-long work and faith was not in vain. Hard work really does pay off. Every little step counts towards the bigger picture of your life.

I wish I could say there is an easy way to getting the job/career you want but there isn’t. It’s all about trial and error. EFFORT is the name of the game. If you can remember, I wrote about four proactive things you could do while you were job hunting. As 2014 went on and my calendar began to fill up with tasks, I found new ways of staying proactive. Lets go over them.

REVISE YOUR RESUME

A good friend of mine went out to dinner and we spent two hours editing and augmenting my resume. Side note: when you’re down on your luck and you’re trying to explain your situation to people, don’t be offended if they’re not jumping to help you. You need them. Be specific and ask for what you need help with. Anyway, she helped me soooooo much. I honestly believe that is why doors started to open up for me.

GET SOCIAL

This is basically the same as making connections, just online verses in person. So many brands and businesses are on social media, whether it’s Twitter or LinkedIn. Find these people and stalk them. Which leads me to number three.

RESEARCH

I would say this is THE most important skill anyone can have. Once you’ve found your contact and you’ve looked up their background credentials (Google everyone, by the way), prepare your email. Be professional, be personal and be genuine. I swear, people will listen to you when you sound like you know what you’re talking about. Take yourself seriously.